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closely matches the bias tape-and neatly tack the first balloon to both the front and back of the bias tape. But before you take another stitch, let's discuss beads. Beads for fun and functionBeads anchor the balloons, while adding color and detail to the trim. Depending on how busy or quiet you want the finished trim, you can select only one bead style, perhaps a matte pearl, or use a variety of bead styles and colors. Sometimes I use only one vertically positioned tube bead as an anchor between two balloons; other times, I use a vertical line of three round beads. For a row of three beads (I like the look of an odd number), I often set up a color pattern. For example, the first anchor point might consist of a stack of three beads, maybe a yellow between two blacks. The next anchor point might have a red glass bead surrounded by two brass metallic beads. And the third, a purple seed bead, a gold cat's-eye bead, then a second purple seed bead, and so on. To identify other arrangements of bead colors, look closely at the trim in the photographs on these three pages. To attach the beads on the front of the bias tape, use the same needle and thread with which you tacked the balloon in place. Position each bead tightly against the balloon's stem and take tiny stitches to secure it. Then set the next balloon in place and repeat the process. Every few stitches, knot the thread, and "seal" the knot with a drop of Fray Check. If you need to ease the needle through beads with diminutive openings, lightly coat the thread with a small amount of beeswax-or change to a beading needle if necessary. Continue this process until you have the desired length of trim. To apply the balloon chain To showcase the beautiful trim you've created, attach it in some permanent manner to a garment or accessory. The style of the item influences the way the trim is attached, and there are several options to choose from: Topstitch the bias tape with short machine stitches on an edge, which might, for instance, be suitable for casual hems, sleeve hems, collar edges, or necklines. Topstitch the tape by hand, which would work nicely for soft, draped garments or evening apparel. ion fabric and facing, as you would attach bias cording, which would be effective for hems, lapels, necklines, patch-pocket hems, or more formal garments. And how do you deal with the • raw edges at each end of the trim? Stitch them into a seam, right sides together, or turn them under and hand-tack them out of Sight. Finally, when it's time to clean a garment with beaded balloon-chain trim, check the care instructions for both beads and fabric. Bead suppliers can usually advise you on how to care for various beads. Or you can test the beads' colorfastness and washability by soaking a few in a glass of water overnight. If they fade, you'll need to dry-clean • • Sew the trim between the fash- the garment or replace the beads with a washable variety. You balloon chain presents one more important benefit for trim aficionados: It's very portable. Just toss a few-dozen fabric circles into a Zip-Loc bag or small Tupperware container along with some needles, scissors, and a small supply of beads and threads. The next time you're stuck in a waiting room, car, or airport, gather up a few balloons and think embellishment. can Fiber artist, teacher, and Fairfield Fashion Show designer Elaine cializes in embellishments. For "Chain of Events " pattern information, contact her at PO Box P. 617, Fortuna, CA 95540. • Curtis spetake it with you-The From ethnic to urbane, this trim's effect depends on fabric, color, scale, and bead choice. Additional embrOidery, like that on the hat above (from the author's "Chain of Events" pattern), and on the trim below, enhances an ethnic look. april/may 19 96 53